As a result of European Sports car rising in popularity within the American market Chevrolet unveiled the Corvette at the 1953 Motorama display in New York. Ford needed something to compete and came up with the Thunderbird which was dubbed "a personal car of distinction." It was first shown to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in 1954. They proved to be very well received as despite only 10,000 being planned for they ultimately ended up selling 16,155 total units in 1955. The first generation of "Little Birds" only lasted 3 years and they all looked mostly similar but there were a few changes introduced throughout their run. In 1957 they introduced reshaped bumpers, a larger grill, larger tailfins and larger taillights. These would end up being the last 2 seater Ford sold until the 80's. This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is a beautifully built car that has undergone a complete body off rotisserie restoration. During the process the body was completely sand blasted from top to bottom and it received all new floor plans. The frame was sand blasted as well and the body/undercarriage/frame all painted the same Gloss Raven Black which was the car's original color. The result is a very clean, totally rust free car. The removable hardtop sits nicely in place and does have the side portholes. The glass is all good and it has a new front windshield. All of the chrome throughout has a great shine and every piece received any needed repairs before all were re-chromed. The car has a nice stance and rides on true Thunderbird spoke wheels with knock off style center caps and wide white wall Firestone tires.

Mechanically the car has been completely rebuilt throughout. The original 312 V8 was completely rebuilt and has a nice chrome air cleaner and Thunderbird valve covers. It has been kept very stock under the hood and even utilizes things like the correct FoMoCo hoses. The car runs out great and the motor is paired with the rebuilt original Fordomatic auto transmission and rebuilt stock style rear end. During the restoration everything like the brakes, front end, etc were redone with a variety of repairs. You can rest assured that if the car needed anything, it got it. It has all new wiring and everything is working properly. It has an all new exhaust system, power steering and the generator has also been upgraded to a Powermaster alternator.

The interior has been redone in all Red and the upholstery is all brand new. It is the factory "XH" code Flame Red and is in excellent condition throughout. The seats are comfortable and the seat foam was all replaced. The push button shifter is mounted to the floor and moves through the gears smoothly. The dash has a mostly stock appearance with all of it's factory style trim, knobs, etc. The original gauges were sent off for repair and updating before being installed in their factory cluster. It also received a new Quartz clock. The Radio is the stock style but was repaired/updated to provide a USB connection. One of the features unique to these TBirds is their telescoping column which is nice mounted in place. The trunk offers plenty of storage space and has the correct style floor mat.

This car has been kept in great shape since the restoration and comes with a build book with pictures and a running total of the expenses. You need to see it in person to appreciate how well the restoration was done.